Not Just Your Typical Bed Quilt

Many of you wanted to see more of my quilt art. I explored small quilting projects when I retired because large quilts seemed too overwhelming. The freedom of not following a pattern and playing with colors was fun—and I needed some fun in my life. I tried all kinds of projects. I’ve sold a few, but most were given away as gifts or I still have them. Since I started blogging, my Berninas (yes, I have 2) are eerily still and my sewing room is way too neat. I can’t find the time play with my beautiful fabrics while I’m writing. I guess I’m a one-creative-endeavor kinda of a gal.

"Buried Treasure," entirely hand appliqued, pieced, and quilted. This quilt is a tribute to Reggie. I made it while sitting by his cage during his final weeks. One of his yellow crest feathers in tucked behind the label.

"Remember Me" (or something like that) Hand applique, machine pieced and quilted. A quilt I made for Chuck, started during the summer of 2009 and finished for Christmas that year. He left me that fall, but I finished it and gave it to him.

Beautiful!!! They remind me of both my Grandma’s – as if they got together and made something. The one sews and makes bags and all kinds of things and quilts with a machine (sort of quilts). My Mom’s Mom quilts Amish style – by hand. And not little one’s either (well sometimes), but queen size full quilts. We each get one for our wedding. She and a group of friends all gather in her house and have quilting bees. No jokes. 😀

I’m honored, Izzy. That’s high praise coming from someone who judges art! I’ll be happy when this life story is done (soon) and I can back off from the blogging a bit. My sewing room is calling out to me more loudly (especially since I’ve gotten such positive feedback from my blogger buddies). 😉

Too cool … I think they’re great. As a judge at art shows, I do believe your work would qualify for a ribbon. The Chakra Window stained glass stole my heart. My home is entirely in primary colors – I like to call it a house full of crayola crayons. These are my colors. You are very talented. It must be so relaxing to concentrate on selecting the right fabric in the right color in order to coordinate your lovely quilts. You have a great way of expressing yourself outside of writing.
Bravo,
Izzy

After this month, my days of blogging non-stop will be over. My life story will be told and I’ll blog regularly, but not maniacally. That will give me time to work on fleshing out my book, quilting, and blogging. Since I’m retired, these are my major activities (and volunteering for a few organizations).

Lorna, these are fabulous! It almost isn’t fair that you’re so good at so many things. 🙂

I love quilts–how they’re made, their history (both as an art form, their role in American life, and the history of a family each contains). The one you made with the bird feather in it is beautiful, but I’m blown away by the Lake Champlain piece! Simply stunning!

Beautiful! and they show so many moods. I love how you used the quilt lines to add feeling and depth or motion. The Moonshine one seems a bit like you in your stories, peaceful at first glance, then oh so much more – revealing line by line, and it draws you in.

Wow is so insufficient, yet I can find nothing more than that except stunning, absolutely stunning. You are the shining example of why “creatives” must create. Awestruck. Thank you for sharing your many fine talents with us. The pleasure is all ours, I’m sure… okay, well I took a liberty there, lol, the pleasure is all mine, of that I am sure! 🙂 🙂 🙂

Balancing creative energy — that is a hard one. I like to sew, but I haven’t sewn in probably 3 years. I paint and lately nothing. Let me know if you figure out the key to that balance. 🙂 I would Love to get some myself.

The Shiva sticks can add so much character and depth to an art quilt. Once dry and set with heat, they are permanent. They aren’t cheap, but they add that extra something special to your project (they didn’t pay me to say that!).

I had no idea I was capable of this kind of thing, either. It was only after I retired and started dabbling in small projects that a creative “Material Girl” sprang forth! I’m full of surprises, even to myself. 😉

Yes. I feel the need to use whatever part of my brain that is my inner “Material Girl!” I have to write out the rest of my story first, though. By the end of this month, it should be done. Then I can pare back my blogging an find a bit of balance in my life.

Beautiful. It would be nice to take a break from writing now and then to work on a small project, don’t you think? I keep a beading project close by, nothing too involved, just something to rest my brain.

Thank you for your visit to my blog. The embroideries are mostly done by my husband, except for a couple of mind in a completely different style.
I enjoyed very much my tour through your gallery – such a variety of techniques is very impressive. I mostly do larger projects, but I love making bags of all kinds, and one summer I made and sold about 50 hats and caps. I haven’t come across Shiva sticks – must look out for them.

They are all fabulous!!!!!!!!!! I sew and I’ve always wanted to make a quilt. You are one smart, crafty and talented lady!!!!!! I don’t have a Crazy Chick of the day But I will now. You are the Crazy Chick of the day. Going to post this on FB CCC page now 🙂

I used to work on them all through the year, but winter was my favorite time. Now, with all the time I spend blogging, I don’t know when I’ll start another project. I need to find a way to balance my creative energies. Maybe once the memoir stories are finished, which I hope will be within the next month…

Wow, how talented and creative you are. I like to sew, but no matter how hard I try, I can’t sew (or cut) a straight line. I love them all, especially the winter dreams. I think I’d hang that by my computer monitor and it would be my inspiration.

Maybe when we go on book tours together, we can bring some of them to hang behind us and “cozy up” our niche. 😉 Of course they’d probably get more attention than our books!